(L-R): Superintendent John Ryan | Vanessa McTigue, Chair of The Shannon Airport Group Charity Committee | Ann Norton, Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic. Photograph: Arthur Ellis.
€80,000 was raised for Clare Crusaders and Little Blue Heroes last year by the Shannon Airport Group.
Both Clare Crusaders and Little Blue Heroes were the chosen charities of the Shannon Airport Group in 2025 and they have been confirmed to remain as partners for this year. The organisations provide vital support to children with additional needs, as well as families whose children require long-term medical care.
Since the launch of the programme eleven years ago, the Shannon Airport Group has raised €580,000 for local charities.
Over the past year, fundraising events were organised by the staff charity committee, they included the much-loved Christmas bake sale, a raffle with prizes such as flights to the US and Europe, and a ‘Movember’ initiative, where team members embraced the challenge to ‘grow a mo’ for a good cause.
Last year’s programme also featured the launch of the limited-edition Shannon Bear, creatively designed by the Duty-Free team. This bespoke cuddly companion added to the campaign, with all proceeds from its sale donated directly to the partner charities.
Chair of The Shannon Airport Group Charity Committee, Vanessa McTigue stated, “We’re incredibly proud to have raised €80,000 for Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic and Little Blue Heroes last year. The team here have always been committed to supporting great causes, and charitable giving has been an important part of our culture for over a decade. Both organisations make a remarkable difference in the lives of children in our community, and we look forward to continuing our support in 2026”.
Thomas Downey, local representative for Little Blue Heroes, added, “We are extremely grateful to The Shannon Airport Group for their support and for the significant funds raised, which will help make dreams come true for some of our little heroes. We are honoured to continue as a charity partner for 2026 and look forward to working with the team again this year”.
Ann Norton of Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic commented, “We are a local charity, with children and community at our heart so to partner with The Shannon Airport Group has been very special for us. Their support in 2025 has made a real difference in enabling us to provide life-changing therapies to children in the region. We are delighted to have their continued support in 2026”.
Little Blue Heroes supports families of children with serious illnesses in Ireland while empowering the lives of children through community engagement. The foundation works closely with An Garda Síochána to create special moments and lasting memories for these brave children and their families.
Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic provides free therapy and specialist treatment to over 450 children with special needs in County Clare.
